Manage updates with the Download AppHotspot Shield User Reviews
Outstanding
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"Their support is horrible / non-existant"
Version: Hotspot Shield 2.88
Pros
The product seems to work
Cons
I bought AnchorFree on my IPhone and wanted to use it on my PC as well - I didn't want to see the ads and you are supposed to be able to load it on multiple devices with a single subscription. I couldn't figure out how to add my PC to my existing account so I contacted their "help desk" their response was:
"Kelly, Apr 11 15:47 (PDT): Hello, The application only works if you have bought the PC version; then you can add the iOS subscription to it."
I happened to be talking to the CEO about something and he told me that the above statement wasn't correct, so I tried the help desk again and things went downhill from there. They actually took ONE MONTH to reply to my message and I didn't get any actual help. Their latest reply to me was verbatim as the very first message.
So I can't really comment on the product and how well it works (I assume it does) but their supports really SUCKS. -
"SLOW Internet then Blue Screen of Death in One Day"
Version: Hotspot Shield 2.88
Pros
Used for Less than one day so I have no input on this.
Cons
Unacceptably slower internet speeds reduced browing to nearly dialup speeds with unwatchable video. Blue screen of death in less than a day. Immediately uninstalled.
Summary
Windows 7 64 bit with Norton 360 Premier probably doesn't play well with Hotspot Shield. Do not install if you have this setup.
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"It works fine and it's free"
Version: Hotspot Shield 2.88
Pros
That's the only reliable free VPN I have ever tried. I work a lot from Starbucks and I was always quite scared about WiFi hackers - since Starbucks is known for their unprotected WiFi. With VPN I am secured and I don't have to worry about it. Hotspot Shield is free and works pretty fine.
Cons
You will see their ads.
Summary
Definitely worth trying if you need a VPN and you don't want to pay for it.
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"MESSES UP MY BROWSER AND SLOWS DOWN COMPUTER"
Version: Hotspot Shield 2.88
Pros
It worked fine but it seems to be slow.
Cons
Messed up the system, installed some extensions and prevents browsing sometimes for some reason. I just uninstalled it and used another vpn this is HORRIBLE.
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"This software & app are horrible!"
Version: Hotspot Shield 2.88
Pros
Quick download/setup
Cons
This software is blocking me from sending proper email, especially one's with attachments. Mail was coming back to me "mailer deamon" undeliverable.
Browser loading is horribly slow, many times I must reload and hope it works or get out and reopen.
I loaded this on two computers, one desktop, one laptop with fast connection speeds, top speed processors and loads of RAM. Everything is slowed down using the Internet.
Having multiple browsers open when working is even worse and saving Wordpress files/posts/pages becomes cumbersome.
I loaded their app on my smart phone and it began blocking syncing and my email. Other apps weren't working properly either. None of these issues existed before the app. It was also turning on and off and offering up an annoying ringtone.
I decided to uninstall this POS from my phone and in the process it blew out 10 other apps that I use so I had to go back and reinstall them.Summary
Do Not spend your money. I blew $29.95 plus $.99 for the app all non-refundable.
Want support? Either upgrade further or waster your time in their forum.
This is NOT worth your time, money or migraine. Move on. CNet staff reviewers are way off on this one. 5-stars? Who are they kidding? -
"Protective... to a fault."
Version: Hotspot Shield 2.88
Pros
Does mask/change your ip.
Quick browsing.
Accessible on websites that utilize flash and java.Cons
Littered with DRD infested ads.
elite only lasts 7 days.Summary
I'd suggest investing in actual VPN software. though there is no way of protecting your computer from hackers, that would be your best bet. Use the hotspotshield when you need to access websites that you can't normally access. use it when you need an ip change for a game forum website.
DO NOT enter personal information, hotspotshield is funded by various outside parties and that is where all the ads on the side are there for. You don't know what they are doing with your personal information. This is something I recommend installing, and removing the next day. Download, view what you need to view, uninstall it. repeat. use and configure Tor, or just get an actual VPN. -
"Does it really work?"
Version: Hotspot Shield 2.88
Pros
Certain ip finders say that my IP address has changed
Cons
another 2 that i have tried come back with my correct IP address although the hotspot says different.
Summary
another 2 that i have tried come back with my correct IP address although the hotspot says different.
Ok again try this to check if it really works at hiding your home IP address https://torcheck.xenobite.eu/index.php I am not happy with this although www.whatismyip.com does come up with a different address, would love a reply telling me that it is maybe something i am doing wrong, but i don't think so. At the end of the something is reading my home IP address whilst HOTSPOT says that I am protected.
Updated on Jun 11, 2013
Updated on Jun 11, 2013Ok again try this to check if it really works at hiding your home IP address https://torcheck.xenobite.eu/index.php I am not happy with this although www.whatismyip.com does come up with a different address, would love a reply telling me that it is maybe something i am doing wrong, but i don't think so. At the end of the something is reading my home IP address whilst HOTSPOT says that I am protected.
Updated on Jun 11, 2013Ok again try this to check if it really works at hiding your home IP address https://torcheck.xenobite.eu/index.php I am not happy with this although www.whatismyip.com does come up with a different address, would love a reply telling me that it is maybe something i am doing wrong, but i don't think so. At the end of the something is reading my home IP address whilst HOTSPOT says that I am protected. -
"5 star app! Highly Recommend!"
Version: Hotspot Shield 2.88
Pros
-Free
-Easy to use
-Protects computer from malware
-Keeps your online activities protected and private
-Unblocks blocked websites at my workCons
-A bit slow at times
Summary
At work, I use Hotspot Shield on a Mac to unblock sites. But when I'm at home, I use Hotspot Shield on Windows mainly for security. I learned alot about how hackers can use tools to easily hack into your wifi to steal any information that you have. I don't use it all the time at home, but only when I'm entering any private information over the web. It's a great tool and highly recommend it to everyone.
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"Works fine for free"
Version: Hotspot Shield 2.88
Pros
It's free so there is no downside. It is quite reliable and I use it also on my iPhone.
Cons
The ads may be annoying.
Summary
I work a lot from Starbucks and other public hotspots and I feel much better when I know that the data I am sending out are encrypted. I use multiple software to protect myself online and Hotspot Shield is part of the set.
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"Easy to use and Free"
Version: Hotspot Shield 2.88
Pros
It is very easy to use I only need to click connect then it would change my ip already. Helped me play a lot of games where my IP is blocked! Really thanks for this!!
Cons
Free use slows down my internet.
Summary
Very good but needs improvement.
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